Let's say your a web designer in Oceanside, CA working out of your back bedroom. If a potential client does a search for "web design", your result will most likely show up on page 9,999. Face it. Your web design studio has no shot what so ever getting placed above an agency, in say, New York. But why would you want to? By focusing your efforts on a local search engine optimization plan, your little design company can be the big fish in the local pond. Local search results give small businesses the opportunity to get found by the customers they want - locals. By using search tools such as the Bing Local Listing Portal, Yahoo Local Search, and Google Places, businesses can hype the features of their company right along with contact info. Community review sites like Yelp not only boost your local rankings, but allow customers to say some good things about you. Try placing a classified ad for your services on Craigs List. Sign On San Diego is another great local community information hub. Now let's do a search for "web design oceanside ca." If done right, you should show up in the top local results. Think big when it comes to your business, but think local when it comes to SEO.

1. SEO
Local Searches and SEO
GCMW177 Search Engine Optimization

2. SEO
Craig’s List
1. Place a classified ad to get indexed
- Sell stuff online
- Job offers or internships
- Activities or events
- Services (like web design)
2. Put in appropriate category
- Include your url
- DO NOT include email
- Use h1 and h2 tags on keywords
http://sandiego.craigslist.org/
GCMW177 Search Engine Optimization

3. SEO
Craig’s List
Example of
posting form
GCMW177 Search Engine Optimization

4. SEO
Bing Local Listing Portal
1. Add local businesses to Bing directory
2. Can create personal or business account
- Ability to send out announcements
3. Customize your search result
- Add photos
- Logos
- Contact info
- Payment types
- Add unique features or deals
4. It’s free!
5. Works on mobile
http://www.bing.com/businessportal
GCMW177 Search Engine Optimization

5. SEO
Bing Local Listing Portal
Bing sign up page
http://www.bing.com/businessportal
GCMW177 Search Engine Optimization

6. SEO
Bing Local Listing Portal
Listings and maps
Unique business profile
GCMW177 Search Engine Optimization

7. SEO
Yahoo Local Search
1. Local searches and experiences in your area
- Services, businesses, reviews
- Local news and weather
- Local shopping
- Community groups and events
2. Three main search results
- City Guide
- My Local
- Directory
http://www.search.yahoo.com/yp
http://listings.local.yahoo.com/
GCMW177 Search Engine Optimization

8. SEO
Yahoo Local Search
GCMW177 Search Engine Optimization

9. SEO
Google Places
1. Add your business to local places listing
2. Local search results and maps for your area
- Services, businesses, reviews
- Contact info
- Add unique features or deals
3. It’s free!
http://www.google.com/local/
GCMW177 Search Engine Optimization

10. SEO
Google Places
GCMW177 Search Engine Optimization

11. SEO
Yelp!
1. Local reviews of businesses and services
2. Can create personal or business account
- Ability to send out announcements
3. Over 22 million local reviews written
4. Has a review filter for “iffy” reviews
5. Can access thru moblie phones and apps
http://www.yelp.com/san-diego
https://www.yelp.com/signup
https://biz.yelp.com/
http://youtu.be/Dqi-jjbEKcs
GCMW177 Search Engine Optimization

12. SEO
Sign On San Diego
1. Local San Diego Online Newspaper
2. Create a free account
3. Add your business to directory
4. Leave reviews or comments
5. Place a classified ad for your service
http://www.signonsandiego.com/
http://bizdirectory.signonsandiego.com/san-diego+ca.z.html
http://thingstodo.signonsandiego.com/
GCMW177 Search Engine Optimization

13. SEO
Sign On San Diego
GCMW177 Search Engine Optimization